improve

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   get better

   The weather improved toward evening

2. 2
   verb

   to make better

   The editor improved the manuscript with only a few changes.

3. 3
   verb

   To make (something) better; to increase the value or productivity (of something).

   Painting the woodwork will improve this house.

4. 4
   verb

   To become better.

   I have improved since taking the tablets.

5. 5
   verb

   To use or employ to good purpose; to turn to profitable account.

   to improve one's time;  to improve his means

6. 6
   verb

   To disprove or make void; to refute.

   One ſayth this and a nother that / but can not agre. Nether can any of them make ſo ſtronge a reaſon vvhich a nother can not improve.

7. 7
   verb

   To disapprove of; to find fault with; to reprove; to censure.

   [W]hen he reherſed his preachinge and his doynges vnto the hye Apoſtles / they coulde improve no thinge […]

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman emprouwer, from Old French en- + prou (“profit”), from Vulgar Latin prode (“advantageous, profitable”).